"VAN" (Sports Desk - 10.09.2026) :: Many of the most memorable classic cars will assemble next week in the southern England county of West Sussex for this year’s Goodwood Revival. From Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September, the clock turns back to the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, recreating moments of fashion, culture and motor sport that have shaped generations. Rolex has supported the Goodwood Revival for more than two decades. As Official Timepiece of the event and Title Sponsor of the Rolex Drivers’ Club since 2004, the Swiss watchmaker has witnessed the Goodwood Motor Circuit forge vivid memories inspired by a transformative era.
Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart, whose early experiences at this track formed an integral part of his legendary motor sport career, is set to attend this year’s Goodwood Revival. Among his many accolades, the Scotsman still shares the official circuit lap record of 1 minute and 20.4 seconds with his dear friend, the late Jim Clark, whom he deeply admired. Sir Jackie reflects:
“I have been driving at Goodwood since 1964. I was inspired by my older brother, who was a racing driver and would take me to the circuit. The Goodwood Revival is a wonderful event. It’s one of the best on the motor sport calendar and one that Rolex is at the heart of. The quality, immaculate detail, integrity and prestige perfectly align with the brand. It has become a very special place for me.”
More than 150,000 spectators and drivers dressed in authentic period attire and race overalls are preparing to step back in time next weekend. Thanks to the immersive vision of the Duke of Richmond, this year’s Revival will highlight Italy’s style, culture and automotive legacy in keeping with the theme “La Dolce Vita”. Car manufacturer Maserati will take to the track each day to mark 100 years since the marque’s first triumph in the Targa Florio, the famous 20th century endurance race held in the mountains of Sicily. The celebration of Italian craftsmanship also includes a tribute to 80 years of the Vespa, with more than 300 scooters parading each morning to start track activity.
Joining Sir Jackie and a host of motor sport champions from across the decades is fellow Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He will take to the wheel over the weekend and also watch with keen interest as the 60th anniversary of Ford’s legendary 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans is celebrated, with the three cars making a rare return to the track. The Danish driver has taken the chequered flag at the Revival in several classes, notably claiming victory in the inaugural Kinrara Trophy (now renamed the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy) 10 years ago behind the wheel of a classic Ferrari 250 SWB. Ahead of his return, Kristensen says:
“Being at the Goodwood Revival really is a journey back in time. The best race cars from the 1940s to the 1960s gather at Goodwood Motor Circuit – they are rare and exceptionally well maintained. I always relax and don’t put a lot of pressure on the driving, but the feeling when I’m in the car is very special. The Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy is amazing and when you get lucky and everything works, you can nail it. It was an extraordinary achievement winning such an iconic race in 2016.”
A unique time capsule, the Goodwood Revival is a celebration of the drivers, machines and spectators who continue to uphold the history of this sport. On Sunday evening the purr of classic cars comes to a halt before the Driver of the Meeting is crowned. In recognition of the skill required to master these mechanical marvels and the racing camaraderie shown, Rolex will award a specially engraved Perpetual 1908 to one deserving recipient. Taking place beneath the Rolex clock tower, this and each moment of reflection throughout the three days serves as a reminder that timing is everything at the Goodwood Revival.
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